Wait is over....hearing aids on order!

OK....I was first diagnosed with some hearing loss about 8 years ago. It's got progressively worse to the point where I'm probably at about 20% hearing in my right hear (probably 50-65% in left).

Started getting to the point where I decided to do something about it. A friend of mine with hearing loss finally got a hearing aid and is so much happier.

After a trip to the audiologist, then 2 trips to ENT (audiologist was concerned about hearing difference between inner and middle ear), I finally was able to order hearing aids. Yes, I'll look like a dork to have hearing aids at the ripe age of 37, but I don't give a ratz ***, I'll be able to hear again!!!!

OK....I was first diagnosed with some hearing loss about 8 years ago. It's got progressively worse to the point where I'm probably at about 20% hearing in my right hear (probably 50-65% in left).

Started getting to the point where I decided to do something about it. A friend of mine with hearing loss finally got a hearing aid and is so much happier.

After a trip to the audiologist, then 2 trips to ENT (audiologist was concerned about hearing difference between inner and middle ear), I finally was able to order hearing aids. Yes, I'll look like a dork to have hearing aids at the ripe age of 37, but I don't give a ratz ***, I'll be able to hear again!!!!

good for you! Especially the not giving a ratz @zz about what others think!
I'd rather wear an hearing aid than not be able to carry on a decent conversation with those around me.

Actually, considering the beating that most of us gave our hearing when we were young, I am surprised they are not a hot new fashion accessory.

Give it about 10 years, and they will start to become a status symbol!

East Hill

Actually....the "high end" hearing aid option came with blue tooth built in so you could connect to your cell phone and just talk with phone call in your ear. Kind of a nice feature (not one I was willing to pay for), but how funny would you look in public walking around talking to yourself without even an apparent phone apparatus.

Actually....the "high end" hearing aid option came with blue tooth built in so you could connect to your cell phone and just talk with phone call in your ear. Kind of a nice feature (not one I was willing to pay for), but how funny would you look in public walking around talking to yourself without even an apparent phone apparatus.

No funnier than people walking around right now with a bluetooth. Now it doesn't make you look silly, or crazy--it means that you are just so important that you are always communicating!

East Hill

___________________________________________________TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...

Good for you KT! I felt the same way about wearing glasses growing up. I felt like I was " made wrong" or something, but then i realized how nice it was to read signs all the way down the block, and couldn't care about wearing them. Now that I have contacts, even better. Glad it worked out for you...

" The love you withhold is the pain you carry, lifetime after lifetime."

Actually....the "high end" hearing aid option came with blue tooth built in so you could connect to your cell phone and just talk with phone call in your ear. Kind of a nice feature (not one I was willing to pay for), but how funny would you look in public walking around talking to yourself without even an apparent phone apparatus.

Who is the comedian that does the bit about people walking down the street talking to themselves may just be speaking with God? I love that bit.

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Originally Posted by colorider

Phobias are for irrational fears. Fear of junk ripping badgers is perfectly rational. Those things are nasty.

Glad you finally got a diagnosis and will be able to have some improvement!

I am pretty sure I have a bit of minor hearing loss in my left ear from playing violin (both from the violin itself and from sitting in front of brass & percussion sections in orchestra rehearsals & concerts). I only notice when I'm on the phone, though.

That's how I first got a clue I had a problem in the first place. About 8 years ago the girlfriend I lived with was always getting annoyed at me not doing things she told me or hearing things she said.

Good for you. I have had a severe bilateral sensineural hearing loss since birth, and I am in my late 40's now. About four years ago, after paying off the kids braces and what not, I felt I could finally afford hearing aids. As most people don't know, they are not generally covered by insurance, so the patient has to pay out of pocket. I spent $ 7000 in one chunk for a set of two Oticon Syncro in the ear aids. It has made quite a difference, and I wish I could have had them years ago. However, I do take them out when riding, since otherwise, the windblast is amplified such that I cannot hear anything else.

Good for you. I have had a severe bilateral sensineural hearing loss since birth, and I am in my late 40's now. About four years ago, after paying off the kids braces and what not, I felt I could finally afford hearing aids. As most people don't know, they are not generally covered by insurance, so the patient has to pay out of pocket. I spent $ 7000 in one chunk for a set of two Oticon Syncro in the ear aids. It has made quite a difference, and I wish I could have had them years ago. However, I do take them out when riding, since otherwise, the windblast is amplified such that I cannot hear anything else.

Glad to hear. I am actually very lucky in the insurance department. I'd heard that coverage of hearing aids was rare...and it was one more factor in me not looking in to it for a long time. Once I decided to look in to it (because of a friend who got one who helped a lot), I found that my insurance pays up to $3000 per calendar year.

So insurance is paying most of the cost. This pair cost $3790. So I only have to cough up the $790 myself.

Funny you mention the riding thing...I've been wondering about that as well. It seems they would be nice to have.....hear cars coming up, etc.... But I wondered about the "wind in your ear" thing...I also wonder how comfortable (or uncomfortable) they may be with riding sunglasses.

Wow, how unusual, KT. I have had either Premera or Regence healthcare coverage my entire adult life in Seattle, with a pretty decent policy, and never has there been any hearing aid coverage. Much like wine in a restaurant or jewelry, hearing aids are generally marked up 100% of the wholesale price. My $ 7000 pair cost the dispenser $ 3500.

There have been a number of posts here on BF by riders with hearing aids, and most of us prefer to ride without them due to the windblast or sweat factor. My lack of hearing is the major reason why I have mirrors on all five bicycles, and are diligent about checking them when I ride.

There have been a number of posts here on BF by riders with hearing aids, and most of us prefer to ride without them due to the windblast or sweat factor. My lack of hearing is the major reason why I have mirrors on all five bicycles, and are diligent about checking them when I ride.

Yes, I'm mirror handy too.

You just answered my question....I hadn't even thought about the sweat. I sweat like pig in southern BBQ smokehouse......that settles it there.